Category Archives: People

A Special Neighborhood Studios Night

Posted on March 30, 2019 | Comments Off on A Special Neighborhood Studios Night

For over 40 years, Neighborhood Studios has provided arts education to Bridgeport students. The non-profit transforms the lives of 1,600 youngsters through after-school art, music, theater and dance classes. There’s also a flourishing summer camp.

For many years too, Neighborhood Studios has enjoyed a close relationship with Alvin Ailey’s American Dance Theater. Longtime NS board member (and Westporter) Harold Levine was also chair of the Ailey company. They’re a frequent headliner at NS’ annual fundraiser.

They’ll be there again on April 28, at Fairfield University’s Quick Center.

Grace Bergonzi

But this year there’s a special attraction. Grace Bergonzi — a 2013 Staples High School graduate, now dancing with the prestigious Ailey II company — will also be there, on stage.

The event has another Westport connection. Jeffrey and Laurie Gross are being honored that night for their contributions to Neighborhood Studios.

The couple got involved through their daughter Margaret, a dancer. In 1998 Laurie encouraged her to enroll in the first-ever Ailey camp at the University of Bridgeport. Surrounded by people different from those she knew in Westport — but also passionate about dance — Margaret grew immensely.

Laurie stayed involved, eventually serving as Neighborhood Studios’ chair.

“Their mission is so compelling,” she says. “These kids who do music, dance, theater and arts are every bit as talented as kids from the suburbs. They just need an opportunity like this.”

Jeff and Laurie Gross

The Grosses are involved in many activities. She’s worked with Holocaust committees, the Jewish Council for Public Affairs, United Way, and Action for Bridgeport Community Development.

He’s volunteered for the Jewish Federation of Eastern Fairfield County, Congregation Beth El, and Connecticut Multiple Sclerosis Society.

But Neighborhood Studios is particularly close to their hearts. On April 28, help the Grosses — and Grace Bergonzi — celebrate Westporters and Bridgeporters. They’re 2 very different neighborhoods, united by the arts.

(The Ailey II gala is Sunday, April 28 at 5:30 p.m. Click here for tickets. Click here for more information on Neighborhood Studios.)

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Ann’s Kitchen Really Delivers

Posted on March 29, 2019 | 2 comments

Ann Campbell grew up in the Philippines. She wanted to be a doctor, but at her parents’ urging she studied accounting. After that came nursing school.

She married an American. They lived in Singapore for 10 years, then moved to Manhattan. With 3 kids their apartment grew cramped, so in 2008 they headed to Westport.

Now Ann’s story really gets interesting.

She was always intrigued by food. So in 2014 Ann put her degree from New York’s French Culinary Institute — sorry, I forgot to mention that, or that she’d worked at Oceana in the city! — to use.

Friends here told her how hard it was to make good food after a long day at work.

So she began cooking fresh, prepared meals for busy Westport families. With zest (and flavors).

Ann Campbell, at work.

On Thursday, Ann emails a menu. (To join the list, email annskitchenwestport@gmail.com). The ordering deadline is Sunday.

She includes whatever inspires her. She usually tries to add something new and special.

Armed with orders, Ann shops. She hits a variety of stores, from Whole Foods and specialty stores, to Asian markets in Westchester.

On Monday and Tuesday, Ann heads to the commercial kitchen at Harlan Publick in South Norwalk.

With the help of fellow Westport moms Nicole Von Dohlen and Sally Spencer,  Ann makes fresh seasonal salads, soups, main courses and other family-friendly dishes. She draws from an eclectic palate of world cuisines — Asian, European, fusion — always with the freshest ingredients.

Braised chicken with peppadew peppers.

The 3 women bring the fully-cooked meals to Ann’s house. On Tuesday at 3 p.m., customers pick them up. There’s free delivery for orders over $75.

Soups — especially Mom’s Chicken Dumpling, from Ann’s own stock (with homemade dumplings) — are quite popular.

So is her miso salmon with coconut black rice and vegetables. Also her potstickers. Kids love (of course) Ann’s mac and cheese.

Some families order every week; others, every other week, or once in a while. There’s no pressure (other than the hunger pangs you get reading the menu).

Ann’s Kitchen is a business. But it’s also a joy.

“I love to cook,” Ann says. “When people love my cooking, that makes me so happy.”

Almost as happy as Ann’s very satisfied — and well-fed — customers.

(PS: You may have eaten some of Ann’s great food without knowing it. She recently started filling Donut Crazy’s refrigerator, on the eastbound side of the train station. Hat tip: Jeff Manchester)

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Posted in Local business, People, Restaurants

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Rob Simmelkjaer’s Ground-Breaking Persona

Posted on March 28, 2019 | 6 comments

As a kid, Rob Simmelkjaer’s grandmother always told him: “If you’re going to open your mouth, the best thing is to ask a question.”

Questions are “a sign of respect, curiosity, a way to learn,” notes the Westporter. “They’re more than just an opening.”

Simmelkjaer has had lots of chances to ask questions. He’s a former member of the Zoning Board of Appeals, and a 2017 candidate for second selectman.

Rob Simmelkjaer

He’s been an on-air contributor for NBC Sports, and as vice president of NBC Sports Ventures was involved with the radio network and podcasts. He previously worked at ESPN and ABC News, where as anchor and correspondent he covered the Virginia Tech shootings and President Ford’s funeral.

Simmelkjaer — who majored in government and philosophy at Dartmouth College, and holds a law degree from Harvard University — is a huge fan of NPR’s StoryCorps. In those short Friday segments people interview relatives and friends, unearthing tales rich in drama and inspiration.

So it’s no surprise that Simmelkjaer — who was NBC Sports’ “in-house entrepreneurial expert” — is now striking out on his own.

Or that his new venture — Persona — is all about asking questions.

Simmelkjaer calls Persona “the first social video platform dedicated to interviews.” It’s like Instagram, he says — but with conversations, not photos.

The app makes interviewing easy. It helps interviewers frame great questions, makes sharing interviews easy, and enables users to discover interesting interviews on similar (or totally unrelated) topics.

Rob Simmelkjaer is at ease in front of a camera. Persona will make the rest of us feel comfortable too.

Persona is not yet ready for prime time. Simmelkjaer is developing a prototype. He’s slowly releasing content on other platforms, like YouTube, to grow the brand.

It’s an exciting project. Just the other day — in the aftermath of the massacre at a New Zealand mosque — Simmelkjaer interviewed Imam Mohamed Abdelati of the Bridgeport Islamic Community Center.

Westport is an important part of Simmelkjaer’s process. Interviews with people like State Senator Will Haskell and attorney Josh Koskoff Takes On The NRA — interesting folks with intriguing insights — are part of the plan.

Simmelkjaer’s very first Persona interview was with Victoria Gouletas. She’s the ZBA member who was paralyzed a year ago, when a heavy tree branch fell on her during a windstorm.

Gently but insightfully, he asks Gouletas about the accident, how she handled the devastating news, and the effect on her family. As she talks about her children, they chatter in the background. Despite the tragedy, the interview is warm, personal and uplifting.

That’s Simmelkjaer’s goal with Persona. It launches officially later this year.

Keep your eyes and ears open.

And when you open your mouth, follow Rob Simmelkjaer’s grandmother’s advice: Ask a question.

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Posted in Local politics, Media, People, Sports, technology

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Unsung Hero #91

Posted on March 27, 2019 | 9 comments

If you have a pet — and who doesn’t?* — chances are you’ve met Melissa Shapiro.

The veterinarian owns Visiting Vet Service. For almost 25 years, she has provided in-home care for dogs and cats.

Melissa is devoted to rescue dogs — especially those with special needs.

Two years ago Melissa rescued Piglet, his mother and 3 litter mates from a hoarding situation in Georgia.

Piglet — a dachshund/Chihuahua mix — is deaf and blind. Melissa planned on fostering him with help and support. Two months later, her foster home became his permanent one.

Melissa’s patience, love and dedication has helped Piglet thrive. He loves to run and play in the yard, take walks in the neighborhood on his harness and leash, and snuggle with people and other dogs.

Piglet at Compo Beach.

Melissa speaks regularly to groups about how Piglet’s positive mindset has helped him overcome challenges. He is so inspiring that a class in Massachusetts uses him as a role model. When problems arise, students ask, “What would Piglet do?”

This Sunday (March 31, 4 p.m.), Melissa brings Piglet and his message to the Westport Weston Family YMCA. The program is free, and appropriate for children 7 and up.

In December 2017, “06880” profiled Piglet.

Today his rescuer, savior — and friend — Dr. Melissa Shapiro gets her props. For all she does for Piglet, for all the other dogs and cats in town — and the nation, as Connecticut representative for the national Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association — Melissa is our Unsung Hero of the Week.

Dr. Melissa Shapiro, with Piglet and friend.

(Sunday’s event is sponsored by the Federation of Jewish Philanthropy of Upper Fairfield County. To learn more about Piglet, click here. To nominate an Unsung Hero of the Week, email dwoog@optonline.net. Hat tip: Monique Lions Greenspan.)

*I don’t. 

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Former Staples Track Star Now Runs Universal

Posted on March 27, 2019 | 9 comments

Westport is 3,000 miles from LA. We’re more tuned in to who’s up and down on Wall Street than in Hollywood.

So the news that Peter Cramer is the new president of Universal Pictures Studios won’t mean much to “06880” readers.

Unless they realize that — back in the day — Peter Cramer was always called Packy.

Peter “Packy” Cramer

The 1985 Staples High School graduate was a track star and soccer player. He’s been with Universal since 2005, most recently as president of production. In that role the studio achieved record results, including the most profitable year in its history (2014), and the highest grossing domestic and worldwide box office totals of any studio ever (2015).

He led the launch of the Pitch Perfect, Ride Along, Purge, Ted and Neighbors franchises. He also oversaw the highest grossing film in Universal’s history (Jurassic World), and recent hits like Get Out, Lucy, Safe House, Unbroken, Identity Thief, The Visit and Mamma Mia Here We Go Again.

As senior executive vice president of production, he oversaw American Gangster and Ford/Nixon.

Before Universal he worked at New Regency Productions, Daybreak Productions and HBO Films. He started his career at Creative Artists.

Packy — er, Peter — graduated from Harvard University. He lives in Los Angeles with his wife and their 2 sons.

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Posted in Entertainment, People, Staples HS

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Ian O’Malley’s 1978 Single Malt “Experience”

Posted on March 27, 2019 | 13 comments

Ian O’Malley is a busy guy.

He’s a realtor. He’s a longtime New York radio DJ. He and his wife Debbie have 2 young children.

So he can be forgiven — maybe — for forgetting that he owned a very special bottle of 1978 Macallan single malt whisky, worth thousands of dollars.

Ian bought it years ago. When his son was 2, he moved it to a top shelf because — well, you know kids. Over time he placed a couple of other bottles in front of it.

Out of sight, out of mind.

Last year, as the O’Malleys moved from Wilton to Westport, Ian discovered the bottle. He was thrilled, but had the same idea as when he first bought it: Save it for a special occasion.

That special occasion is now. But Ian won’t be drinking.

Not long ago, he told Debbie about a friend who works for Edrington — Macallan’s parent company. He raffled off a bottle; the proceeds went to charity.

And his bottle wasn’t nearly as exclusive as Ian’s. (The cheapest price Ian could find for his 1978 was $3,300 — from an Italian retailer who won’t ship to the US. For $4,600, you can buy it from a store in the UK that will.)

Ian O’Malley

Ian volunteers for a number of non-profit groups, here and in New York. He did not want to choose one to benefit, and alienate the others.

Debbie suggested Experience Camps. The Westport-based organization sponsors 1-week camps for boys and girls after the death of a parent, sibling or primary caregiver.

Kids laugh, cry, play, remember the person who died, or forget the grief that weighs them down. They feel “normal,” because everyone there has been through something similar.

When Ian was 12, his father died of pancreatic cancer. Decades later, Ian says, “I would have loved an opportunity like Experience Camps.”

A unique raffle needs a unique price. Tickets are $104 each — because Ian is a DJ on New York’s classic rock station, Q104.3.

They’re tax-deductible, Ian notes. And available by clicking this easy link.

The deadline is 11:59 p.m. Sunday, April 14. The drawing takes place at 9 p.m. the next day. It will be streamed on Facebook Live, from his house. (Where the lucky bottle still sits, unopened.)

Yet Ian’s generosity does not stop there. If the winner lives within 60 minutes of Westport, he promises to deliver it personally.

Just thank him. You don’t even have to invite him in for a drink.

 

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Jeff Wieser To Retire From Homes With Hope

Posted on March 26, 2019 | 22 comments

Jeff Wieser — longtime president and CEO of Homes with Hope — will retire from the multi-purpose housing organization by the end of 2019. Board chair John Walsh announced the news today.

Jeff Wieser

In his 9 years as director, Wieser has been a driving force for HwH. During his tenure he has overseen operations at the Gillespie Center and the Bacharach Community. He also expanded the portfolio of 44 supportive housing units, which the agency owns and operates.

Homes with Hope more than doubled its shelter capacity, providing beds for 115 people each night. And Wieser introduced an after-school mentoring program for the 30 children in HwH facilities.

In addition, Wieser led the merger with Project Return, the housing program for young women ages 18 to 24.

Wieser has helped Homes with Hope become a national role model, demonstrating how a suburban town can effectively respond to homelessness.

“Jeff has been a transformative, innovative leader” in the fight against homelessness, Walsh said.

“He is also a powerful advocate for the homeless beyond our community in his roles in Opening Doors of Fairfield County and as board chair of Supportive Housing Works, a regional collaborative whose mission is to end chronic homelessness in Fairfield County.”

Westporters of all ages volunteer at the Gillespie Center.

Westport 1st Selectman Jim Marpe called Homes with Hope “one of the community services that makes Westport so special.” He noted that under Wieser’s leadership, the organization has “expanded its affordable, supportive housing options, its relationships with other not-for-profit agencies and its overall community support.”

“As a local resident, Jeff saw the opportunity to leverage his business and professional experience with his passion for helping others, and has helped make Homes with Hope even better than he found it,” Marpe added. “On behalf of the town of Westport, I want to thank Jeff for his untiring service to our community and wish him well in the next chapter of his life.”

Wieser will stay in his position until a replacement is found. A search committee will focus on finding a local leader who understands both Westport and Fairfield County.

“Being involved with Homes with Hope over the last 30 years, first on the board and then as executive director, has been the most satisfying professional role of my life,” said Wieser.

“It is easy to be proud of the Homes with Hope organization, and it is easier to be proud of the community that supports HwH so spiritually and generously. I look forward to staying involved in any way that I can be useful to Homes with Hope and Westport.”

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Half A Century Young: Stew Leonard’s, And The Miracle Mets

Posted on March 26, 2019 | 7 comments

Alert “06880” reader/Terex director of internal communications/ 1970 Staples graduate/longtime New York Mets fan William Adler writes:

1969 was a magic time: Woodstock, and a man on the moon. It was also the summer of the Miracle Mets. New York’s lovable losers went from last to first in a historic season — capped by a seemingly impossible victory over the mighty Baltimore Orioles in the World Series.

Fifty years ago too, Stew Leonard’s store was opening.

At Staples High School, students like my classmate Phil Gambaccini raced home from school to catch portions of the fall classic (World Series games were played during the day back then).

Yesterday, 6 members of that 1969 Mets team signed autographs at Stew Leonard’s. They were celebrating both the 50th anniversary of their world championship, and the store’s 50th.

Phil Gambaccini recently moved back to Westport, after many years abroad. He was at Stew’s yesterday, of course. In the photo below, Ed Kranepool (center) and Art Shamsky autograph a ball for him.

Other Met legends in Norwalk were Ron Swoboda, Cleon Jones, Jim McAndrew and Duffy Dyer.

The line for autographs snaked through the store and into the parking lot, for several hours. Near the end players moved through the line, shaking hands with fans (many as gray as the Mets), and handing out pre-autographed sheets of paper.

Most of the Mets — notably Shamsky, 77 — looked close to playing form, or at least fitter than many fans.

Kranepool has suffered with diabetes for many years, and is searching publicly for a transplant match. When fans asked about his health he quietly said, “Thank you. I just hope I get my kidney.”

To honor the 50th anniversary of the Mets’ championship season, Stew Leonard’s announced that its Wishing Well charity will benefit the Alzheimer’s Association. That’s a tribute to Mets Hall of Famer and ’69 World Series ace Tom Seaver, recently diagnosed with Lyme-related dementia.

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Posted in History, Local business, Looking back, People, Sports

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Peter Stern’s Apple TV

Posted on March 26, 2019 | 3 comments

The world watched yesterday as Apple announced several new initiatives: Apple News+, Apple Arcade and Apple Card.

But the biggest rollout was Apple TV+. And the man introducing it was 1990 Staples High School graduate Peter Stern. He took the stage after an introduction from Apple CEO Tim Cook.

Peter Stern, on stage at yesterday’s Apple event.

To industry watchers, Stern — whose title at Apple is vice president of services, which includes video, news, books, iCloud and advertising — needs no introduction.

After majoring in music and English at Harvard, then earning a law degree from Yale, Stern joined McKinsey. One of his first projects was Warner Music Group. He commuted between his Westport home and Los Angeles.

He joined Time Warner in 2001, rising to executive vice president/chief product people and strategy officer. Much of his career has been spent at the intersection of media and technology.

Digiday notes that media executives who work with Stern call him “sharp and impressive.” Cheddar CEO and founder Jon Steinberg says he is “smart, direct, fast, (and) delivers on what he promises.”

Peter Stern

Stern oversees business operations for Apple’s services unit, which Digiday says has been “elevated to new levels of importance by sagging iPhone sales.” 

In a long 2015 interview for the Cable Center Oral History Project, Stern –then  still with Time Warner — talked about his upbringing.

He left Freehold, New Jersey — the home of Bruce Springsteen — when he was 5 or 6. He went all through the Westport school system (and his family had one of the first VHS systems, introducing him to video technology).

For a long time while living in this area, Stern — who had been a supremely talented violinist at Staples — served on the board of the Stamford Symphony.

Since joining Apple, he’s relocated to Silicon Valley.

But Westporters — and the rest of the world — can see him on stage in yesterday’s Apple video. Click below for the mini-version (Stern starts at 4:17), or click here for the full event (Tim Cook introduces him at 51:30; he takes over quickly).

(Hat tip: Brian Strong)

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Posted in Media, People, Staples HS, technology

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Saugatuck El’s “Willy Wonka”: Scrumpdiddlyumptious!

Posted on March 26, 2019 | 1 comment

This month, Greens Farms Elementary School staged its first-ever musical.

Now it’s time for Saugatuck El’s (star) turn.

When the curtain rises on “Willy Wonka” this Friday and Saturday (March 29 and 30), it will be the culmination of a true community effort.

It takes a special kind of person to stage an elementary school show. Second grade teacher Katie Bloom was just back from maternity leave. But she’s a theater veteran — from age 8 through Hofstra University — and hey, there’s a special kind of people known as “show people.”

In less than a month Bloom helped form the Saugatuck Theater Club. Casting began. Anyone who tried out was promised at least a small part.

She hoped for enough children to fill every role. She got 120.

That number was impressive. The talent: even more so.

Some of the “Willy Wonka” leads.

The 3 rounds of callbacks demonstrated, Bloom says, how much the SES students wanted the program.

Bloom was aided by an army of parents. Jen Berniker, Miriam Young and Carole Chinn led the charge. Working with principal Beth Messler, they created a Movie Night fundraiser.

John and Pam Nunziato — parents of one of the leads — own a branding and design firm. They created Wonka and STC logos, developed projection backdrops (parents took up a collection to buy the screen), signage, Wonka Bars and a playbill.

The “Willy Wonka” Imagination Room.

The Caricato family donated printing costs. The Greelys spent hours making enormous sets. Melissa Crouch Chang designed and sewed costumes for every cast member (including 60 Oompa Loompas).

Other parents supervised rehearsals, worked backstage or simply spread the word.

Middle school youngsters helped with choreography, stage management, lighting and sound.

Professional photographer/SES dad John Videler gifted every cast member with a head shot.

Then there was Saugatuck El mom Megan Bolan. A Broadway performer, teacher and choreographer, she worked with the cast on major numbers.

The entire school got in the spirit. Guess what book they chose for their annual “One Book, Two Schools” event? And thanks to the art department, “candy art” now blankets the halls.

“This has engaged faculty, students and parents,” says principal Messler. “It’s created new opportunities for our community to connect with one another. It’s been a one-of-a-kind experience.”

The show is just under an hour (very kid-friendly!).

Of course, there will be chocolate. Doors open 45 minutes early, so theater-goers can visit the candy shop (featuring hand-made Wonka Bars, commissioned by a local chocolatier).

Five lucky winners at each show will open their bars to find a golden ticket. One gets a scrumpdiddlyumptious grand prize.

So what will the Saugatuck Theater Club do for an encore?

I have no idea. But they’re already making plans for next year.

(“Willy Wonka” will be performed Friday, March 29 at 7 p.m., and Saturday, March 30 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $5 each; click here to order.)

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